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5 Metabolism-Boosting Nuts that Speed Weight Loss

No matter what diet you follow, unless you are eating the right foods for your body, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve your weight loss goals. It requires a lot of self-control, combined with a healthy diet plan and regular exercise. That’s why you need a boost in the body’s metabolism. This practice can be improved by eating foods that keep you full for a longer time and can be easily achieved by eating nuts. Other than increasing the rate of metabolism, nuts also offer other health benefits. Read on and learn some of the suggested nuts that promote weight loss while staying healthy.

1. Almonds
This superfood, is known for its rich content of protein, antioxidants and heart-healthy fats. The monounsaturated fat found in almonds prevents overeating and the dietary fibre contributes to the sensation of being full, despite eating a small amount. They consist of amino acid called L-arginine that helps you burn fat.

2. Pistachios
Pistachios have a modest amount of protein. This protein helps keep you full for longer time, thereby preventing you from reaching out to junk food. Moreover, the protein in pistachios helps build new muscle tissues. Pistachios also contain mono-unsaturated fats that have been shown to boost weight loss.

3.Walnuts
This heart-healthy nut is made of unsaturated fats that make them great for weight loss. A few walnuts everyday can help you lose weight. Walnuts also help you control you appetite due to the omega-3 fatty acids, plant-sterols and vitamins that help suppress hunger.

4. Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts come loaded with fibre and protein, both of which are essential for losing weight. Moreover, they are also a good source of selenium, magnesium, phosphorus and thiamine, all of which are said to be helpful in weight loss. Brazil nuts also contain L-arginine that is efficient in fat burning process. They also help kick-start your metabolism.

5. Cashew Nuts
Magnesium in cashew nuts is essential for regulating the metabolism of fat and carbohydrates, which may further help you lose weight. Cashews are relatively good sources of protein, which is key to losing weight.

While nuts are high in calories, eating the right amount daily can actually help lose weight. Make a trail mix of all these nuts and have a handful of them daily. Don’t forget to balance nuts with a healthy diet and exercise to lose weight efficiently.

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Myths About Food & Nutrition

There are so many food myths and misinformation around that it’s sometimes hard to know what is actually good for you and what we should be eating.

Top Food Myths people believe :

Myth 1: Juices help reduce weight and cut calorie intake.

Fact: Juices have concentrated source of energy and additional sugar content. Consuming whole fruit is more beneficial for health

Myth 2: Oranges are the best natural source of vitamin C

Fact : Strawberries actually contain more Vitamin C than oranges (57mg/100g compared to 42mg/100g for easy peeler oranges). Just seven strawberries provide the recommended daily amount of Vitamin C which contributes to the normal function of the immune system along with the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Myth 3 :Carrots help you to see in the dark

Fact : This is a myth but carrots do contain Vitamin A which is important for good vision.

Myth 4 : Refined oils are 99% fat free.

Fact : All refined oils,irrespective of their composition,are 99% fat. It may vary across trade names. 1 tea spoon of refined oil contains 45 Kcal.

Myth 5 :Too much of any fruit rots your teeth

Fact : Fruits which have a high acid content can damage the enamel of your teeth if eaten excessively. However, the sugar in most fruits will not rot your teeth.

Myth 6 :Nuts are fattening & to be avoided in order to lose weight.

Fact: A handful of nuts can be part of a healthy weight loss program. Nuts are high in calories and fat. However.they contain healthy fats and are a good source of protein, dietary fiber and minerals like magnesium & copper.

Myth 7: Steam or Sauna helps in weight loss.

Fact: These stimulate muscles; boost sweating; will result only in short term loss of fluid but cannot reduce body fat. No sooner you drink a glass of water, original weight comes back.

Myth 8 : You have to workout for 45 minutes at a stretch to get benefit from exercise.

Fact: Plenty of studies show that walking 30 minutes, three times a week,too benefits tremendously. Ideally, your target should be at least 30 minutes 5 times a week.

Myth 9 : Skipping breakfast help you lose weight

Fact : Some people skip breakfast to cut their food intake and try to lose weight, but research shows the opposite is actually true. Eating a high fibre, low GI breakfast helps keep you fuller for longer which means you’re less likely to snack on high-fat and sugary foods mid-morning. In fact, studies show  people who skip breakfast especially children and mothers , are likely to weigh more than regular breakfast eaters .

Myth 10 : Fresh vegetables are more nutritious than Frozen vegetables.

Fact: Research has consistently found fresh and frozen vegetables to have a similar nutritional value, with frozen vegetables actually sometimes having more. With so many people struggling to eat enough vegetables each day, having a steady supply of vegetables handy in the freezer can be an easy and cost effective way to eat more. That said, growing your own vegetables in your garden and eating them shortly after picking is a highly nutritious and super cheap way to get in more of the good stuff!

Myth 11 : Coconut oil is good for you.

Fact:There is very little (if any) scientific support for many of the claims that have been made about the health benefits and healing qualities of coconut oil. Although coconut oil may be better for your cholesterol levels than butter, it still is 90% saturated fat! While it can increase good ‘HDL’ cholesterol it also increases bad ‘LDL’ cholesterol.

While a small amount of coconut oil is okay occasionally, quality unsaturated fats like olive oil or canola oil are a better choice for health. They not only help to increase good ‘HDL’ cholesterol but more importantly decrease bad ‘LDL’ cholesterol too.

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Feng Shui Home Decor Tips for A Peaceful, Prosperous Space

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy that seeks to find balance and harmony between elements. The words literally mean “windwater,” which are associated with good luck, and good health. Not only are these two elements basic and vital to human existence, but they also move and flow around the world. Incorporating feng shui goes beyond Western design tenets of comfort or aesthetic. Instead it places emphasis on physical and mental health, success, and healthy relationships, which is brought on through positive energy flow.

The five important elements of feng shui are wood, metal, earth, water, and fire.

Wood
Symbolizes growth and vitality. Placing wood items in your space encourages personal growth. Plants and wooden furniture are easy ways to add this element.

Metal
Symbolizes logic and intelligence. It supports knowledge and mental sharpness. Add this element to your space with metal frames or sculptures.

Earth
Symbolizes stability and balance. It helps to ground and stabilize. Bring the earth element inside with rocks, crystals and landscape imagery.

Water
Symbolizes wisdom and serenity. It helps with clarity and relaxation. Mirrors, reflective surfaces and aquariums are ways to add the water element to your space.

Fire
Symbolizes passion and energy. It’s representative of transformation, expansion and volatility. Use candles and red objects to enhance your space with fire.

To increase the amount of good vibes in your home, follow these easy feng shui home decor tips 

Good Chi Flow in a Clear, Open Space

The single most important objective in creating feng shui is allowing for the flow of good energy, or chi, throughout your home. Chi brings good health, wealth and luck. When you see the homes of wealthy people, the number one thing that you actually see is open space. An abundance of open space. Strange, no? Rarely do you see wealthy houses full to the brim with all sorts of stuff. It is the luxury of open space and plenty of breathing room that attracts more wealth energy. In feng shui terms this basically means there is open space to allow more and to enjoy more. To create more, explore more and be more .

Declutter your home

Clutter is stuck energy, and the essence of cluttered spaces  – as well as the dominant energy of people who live in cluttered spaces – is based on fear mixed with pessimism.  Decluttering must be thorough—simply hiding your stuff won’t cut it. Items under the furniture, overloaded bookcases and closets, and outdated or broken items all affect chi flow .Directly connected to the concept of a clutter clear space is clear organization. If you do not have an organized house, chances are you will start quickly accumulating clutter again. Each item in your home deserves a space of its own, no matter how small; this makes for a peaceful house with strong and clear energy.

Add plant :

Nature is the ultimate manifestation of unlimited wealth and abundance, so replicating the lush energy of nature in your home will help you attract the same quality of energy. Money Plant or not, lucky Bamboo or not, know that decorating your home with lush, verdant happy plants in good looking, solid pots is an excellent feng shui wealth magnet. Plants also attract vibrant chi energy due to their life force. As long as the plants are kept healthy, you’re attracting good energy.

Some plants are better for feng shui than others. In fact, some plants, like cactus, are considered bad feng shui, because they lack the need for water (water is like wealth), or they’re spiky and “unfriendly.”

Here’s a list of some of the best (and luckiest) plants you can invite into your space. Most of these plants are low-maintenance, and do very well indoors:

  • Lucky Bamboo
  • Peace Lily
  • Ficus
  • Rubber Plant
  • English Ivy
  • Palm
  • Boston Fern
  • Philodendron
  • Spider Plant

Use Feng Shui Wealth Colors

Colors play a very important role in feng shui; add them through wall art, decorative objects or paint.

Here’s a general list of what each color activates:

  • Red: luck and wealth
  • Orange: happiness and fun
  • Yellow: mental stimulation, power
  • Green: peace, balance, healing
  • Blue: calmness, communication, spirtuality
  • Purple: wealth, high spirituality
  • White: cleansing and purity
  • Black: power, especially when paired with red
  • Brown: nurturing

Feng Shui Wealth Cures

There is a variety of popular classical feng shui money cures that can work for you as wealth magnets (if you genuinely like them). The top 5 classical feng shui wealth cures are:

1. The Laughing Buddha

2. Arowana fish figurines (or real aquariums made to feng shui specifications)

3. The feng shui money frog

4. Various hangings and tassels made with Chinese coins

5. The wealth vase.

These are just the basics of feng shui; there’s much more to the art and science, including directions, numbers, elements and more. Getting started with these tips should be a good start; you should feel the difference in your space in no time!


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12 Household Items to Replace and When

credit educaplay

You will improve your home’s function and safety when you replace certain indoor and outdoor items regularly. Simply add these 12 home improvement tasks to your calendar, and you’ll stay on top of necessary and beneficial home updates.

1. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke detectors last up to 10 years. Carbon monoxide detectors last up to seven years. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that working smoke detectors increase your house fire survival chances by 50 percent, so in addition to replacing these devices regularly, remember to replace the batteries in both detectors at least annually.
2. Fire Extinguisher
Rechargeable fire extinguishers last up to six years. Disposable fire extinguishers have a 12-year shelf life. To ensure your fire extinguishers are ready to keep you safe, check the pressure gauges monthly and verify that they’re still charged or full. Recharge or replace the extinguishers if needed.

3. Water Filters
The water filters in your refrigerator should be replaced once every six months, in your portable water pitcher every two months or 40 gallons, and in your whole house system every three to six months. This schedule reduces your exposure to harmful bacteria, chemicals and heavy metals as you stay hydrated.

4. Refrigerator
Plan to replace your refrigerator every 15 years. You may opt for an earlier replacement to take advantage of energy-efficient models, particularly since a 10-year-old refrigerator uses twice the energy of a newer Energy Star rated model.
5. Dishwasher
A dishwasher may last eight to 10 years if you regularly clean the tub, door, accessories, and other parts. Consider replacing your dishwasher around year eight if you want to save money on your water and energy bills.

6. Washing Machine
If you clean and maintain your washing machine regularly, it should last eight to 12 years. Your maintenance tasks may include replacing the door gasket or tightening water connections under the machine if you see leaks. You may also need to balance the machine or replace the motor mount if the machine makes excessive noise.
7. Water Heater
After eight to 12 years, you will want to replace your water heater. Drain this appliance twice a year to reduce sediment buildup and improve efficiency. Additionally, you can lower the thermostat to reduce overheating and prolong the life of your water heater.

8. Shower Head Filters
Change your shower head filters every six to 12 months. Mineral deposits affect the shower head’s efficiency, and bacteria buildup affects your health and the shower head filter function.

9. Carpet
Carpet can last up to 10 years under ideal conditions. If your carpet suffers damage from pets or kids, replace it sooner since pet stains can cause asthma, allergies or skin and eye irritations.
10. Air Conditioner
Install a new air conditioner unit every eight to 10 years. Regular maintenance may prolong the life of your air conditioner, but humidity issues, temperature fluctuations, or excessive noise signal that it’s time to replace the unit.
11. Gutters
Aluminum gutters will last 30 years if you clean and maintain them regularly, but you’ll have to replace vinyl gutters more frequently since they can be damaged easily. Check your gutters and downspouts after heavy storms or at least twice a year to verify that they remain properly connected to the house and don’t leak or overflow.

12. Roof
Metal or clay tile roofs last up to 50 years. Wood shake or shingles last 30 years. Composite or asphalt shingles usually last up to 20 years. No matter which type of roof your house has, replace it sooner if you notice leaks, sags, or curled, cracked or missing shingles.